Flotation therapy: Does it work?

Ever wonder what it feels like to be weightless? Like astronauts in outer space, what would it be like to glide and drift like a feather in the dark, with just your breath to guide you? This is what I experienced my first time in a float tank (also known as an isolation tank or sensory deprivation chamber). When I heard that this is popular with some UFC fighters, martial artists and NASA, I was a bit intimidated and a little scared.

Geoff Sato, left, was given his first float as a gift from his girlfriend. He loved it so much that back in Hawaii, he opened Dream Float with partner Shawn Champion

Founded in Aina Haina, Dream Float Hawaii is one of several island businesses offering floats. Dream Float has logged more than 250 floats since they opened in May. Who floats, you might ask? All types: pilots, businesspeople, pregnant women and your average Joe. When they invited me to stop by for a float, being the water baby that I am, I was only too happy to accept.

So how does this work? For years researchers have been using sensory deprivation to treat certain types of psychosis. The pitch-black, sound-proof sensory deprivation that occurs in the tank is meant to put you in a meditative state. Floating relieves pressure on your body, joints and muscles, and the feeling of complete weightlessness is aimed at prompting pure relaxation from the inside out (it’s one of the only times pregnant women can lie on their back).

Ocean water has 3.5% salinity; the water in the flotation tank has 10 times as much salt

The tank is a rectangular pod that measures 9×4.5′ and looks like an enclosed bathtub. It’s filled about 10 inches deep with salt water made by combining fresh water and Epsom salt. Heated to skin temperature, the Epsom salt water is “high in magnesium sulfate, which is good for your skin, works out toxins and lactic acid and improves circulation and blood pressure, amongst other things,” says Dream Float co-owner Geoff Sato. The filtration system runs the water through a UV light and water filter three times after each float to keep the water clean. “Whatever you need the most is probably what you’ll get from the float. Relaxation, weight loss, tackling depression, PTSD, stress, pain relief, addiction, insomnia…” Sato says.

Locally owned Dream Float hopes to expand with more locations around the island.

Here’s what to expect

The tank is in a large room that looks like a mini yoga studio. Geoff or his partner Shawn Champion will guide you through the process, answer your questions, then give you privacy to get ready. It feels safe here, like a spa. There’s soft music playing. You put in some ear plugs (wax or foam), then shower. It’s best to get into the tank nude. You close the lid and lie back. Geoff offers to play music for the first five minutes, which is nice. It helps me acclimate.

If you plan to float for an hour, budget another hour for orientation and thorough showers before and after.

The water is warm and extremely buoyant. Literally anyone can float, even if you don’t know how. You have to use some muscle to force your foot down, it’s that buoyant. In the pitch-black tank I feel like I am in outer space, drifting into oblivion. I can visualize myself amongst the stars, planets and Milky Way. The water is very silky, almost buttery on my skin. It makes my head feel heavy, so I open the lid and grab a flotation noodle to put under my neck.

First impressions

This isn’t so bad. In fact, it’s really nice.

I like the weightlessness and the feeling of peace and calm throughout my body. I tend to have a hard time not thinking, even when I get massages. My mind is constantly racing about what I have to do, what is on my list, what’s coming up. I try to focus on my breathing. It is pleasant when the music stops and there is silence. Before I know it my time is up.

Wow, one whole hour went by pretty fast. I didn’t get claustrophobic or freak out. I didn’t solve the world’s problems or even my own, but I had a sense of clarity, a strong sense of oneness with myself and my surroundings.

Would I do it again? Yes! The price of $75 for a 90-minute float is a little less than an average massage, and they have float packages and a float club membership. I can see this being beneficial in working out problems or stress.

Thank you for sharing your experience with float therapy! I've thought of trying it out but I was a little worried about claustrophobia. However, it sounds like it's just a relaxing and cleansing experience. I'll have to try it out! Do you know if it's supposed to help with migraines or headaches? http://www.sensafloatspa.com/float-pods/

Hi Eliza. Thank you! Floating can definitely help! Floating induces vasodilation, allowing your blood to flow freely to your brain and body. One of our floaters used to have terrible migraines...she has floated twice and hasn't had a migraine since. I think that was about two months ago!

Interesting! I was wondering if you would feel claustrophobic when I saw the tank.....people always say they get freaked out when they go in for an MRI and this looks as small. Did you fall asleep at all?

Hi Melissa! We made a blog post that addresses feelings of claustrophobia, and that the environment of the float tank is the perfect space to get over fears, nervousness, and anxiety. Most of our floaters who feel that way at first usually end up closing the door at some point. Since it's pitch black, it can feel like an expansion of infinite space. Here's the link for more -